Tokyo 2013: Jaguar F-Type Coupe debuts, gets 550 PS

The new Jaguar F-Type Coupe made its world debut at both the Tokyo and LA Motor Shows. Here are the important bits – there’s now an aluminium roof, and the new range-topping F-Type R Coupe gets 550 PS/680 Nm, can get to 96 km/h in 4.0 seconds, and rear 298 km/h. It’s claimed to be the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever.

Well now, the humble blokes from Coventry have delivered a beautiful machine. The F-Type is one of those rare sports cars that debuted in convertible form first, before a fixed roof is attached later, i.e. now. Perhaps attached is not the right word, as Jaguar has used a huge rear quarter panel that envelops the roof pillars too – avoiding the need for multiple panels and cosmetic joints.

An all integrated roof adds to the chassis rigidity, and the F-Type Coupe is indeed the stiffest vehicle in Jaguar’s history – providing a good basis for enhanced dynamic attributes. It’s available in three versions: base F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type R. The latter is new and unique to the coupe bodystyle, in place of the convertible’s range-topping V8 S model.

Now with 550 PS and 680 Nm from the 5.0 litre supercharged V8, the F-Type R Coupe does a 4.0-second 0-96 km/h sprint and 298 km/h tops as mentioned. It also debuts Jaguar’s second-generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD) and Torque Vectoring by braking. Sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics damping is standard, adding to the dynamic appeal.

Both the F-Type and F-Type S coupes have a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 with 340 PS/450 Nm and 380 PS/460 Nm respectively, translating to 0-96 km/h times and top speeds of 5.1 seconds/258 km/h for the base model, and 4.8 seconds/274 km/h for the other. All F-Types get Jaguar’s eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift automatic transmission with full manual sequential modes.

The F-Type R and F-Type S Coupe models also have the option of Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, which offer more consistency of performance and fade resistance, as well as a total unsprung-weight saving of 21 kg. These have vivid yellow monoblock calipers – six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear – gripping 398 mm front and 380 mm rear brake discs.

Unique to the F-Type R Coupe are switchable Active Sport Exhaust system (with its signature quad, outboard-mounted tailpipes), gloss black front vanes and sill extensions, 20-inch ‘Gyrodyne’ wheels and a host of R badges. It’s sure to make heads turn, this one.

On the inside, the F-Type R Coupe gets special Performance seats with inflatable side-bolstering, finished in premium leather with an embossed R logo. There’s a flat-bottomed R steering wheel as standard, but if you prefer your helms to be round, you can have one at no cost.

So there you have it. A fixed-roof F-Type Coupe that is every bit as sexy as the convertible. Say you win the lottery tomorrow, which one would you pick? Tell us below.

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